Islam and Radicalism; Media and Ethical Fear

Gahad Hamed

Professor of Sociology | Kings University College at the University of Western Ontario

President| Institute for Middle East Studies Canada

                 

 

ISSN  2291-­‐322X  (Print)  ISSN  2291-­‐3238  (Online)  

ISBN:  978-0-9918971-9-3

Working  Papers  Series  

July  2015  

 

   

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Introduction:

Islam, a religion known for its peace and unity, in recent decades has come to be known through

the media as a religion of violence and aggression, which frightens individuals throughout the

world. Such fear has imputed negative connotation towards Islam by connecting it with the

phenomena of radicalism and terrorism. Non-Muslims who fear radicalism and terrorism have

not only developed a paranoia towards Islam, but also relate terrorist acts with Islam, even

though there is only a small percentage of Muslims who commit these actions and claiming them

in the name of Islam. This fear is largely brought by Islamic acts of terrorism and their jihad-

supporting preachers who utter words towards to non-Muslims (Altheide, 2009). The word

‘Jihad’ has become a phenomenon itself under radicalism and terrorism, which has been labelled

in a negative way. The word means “Struggle” which comes from striving to do good for the

people and society. On one hand, it had the religious and spiritual meaning of “struggle” or to

follow God’s path, and in the other hand, in response to authoritarian regimes, and political

conflicts, jihad had become a clarion call used by resistance (Esposito, 2011). Islam is a religion

that does not believe in violence, as it is a peaceful religion. Islam does, however, believe in

defending its religion. If someone was to attack it, Muslims have the right to defend it. Many

Muslim scholars such as Rashid Ghannoushi , former Grand Mufti Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh

Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia,

Shaikh Saleh Al-Luheidan, Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council in Saudi Arabia,

Shaykh Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, and many others have condemned and rejected

radicalism and terrorism. Youf Qaradawi1, one of the leading Muslim scholars to condemn the

September 11th terrorist attacks, emphasized that Muslims are not allowed to kill anyone except

                                                                                                                         1    http://www.religioustolerance.org/muslim-­‐leaders-­‐condemn-­‐acts-­‐of-­‐terrorism.htm    

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those fighting Muslims directly, and it is immoral to kill innocent civilians for their governments'

actions (Esposito, 2011). Major acts of terrorism, like those experienced in London, Madrid,

Middle East, Mumbai, New York City and Paris have reinforced the fear of Islamic terrorist

attacks in the mind of the public (Altheide, 2009).  

Islam and Terrorists in the Media:

The idea of radicalism and terrorism was introduced with the religion of Islam after being put on

blast by different media outlets right after the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trades

Center in New York. The media did everything it in its ability to keep the idea of multiple

attacks that could happen afterwards. It kept the world’s eye on America, and had given

Americans the thought of being at risk. Osama Bin Laden and a group called Al-Qaeda

symbolized a global jihad, a network of extremist groups threatening both Western and Muslim

countries. It also highlighted a struggle for the soul of Islam between mainstream Muslims and

religious extremists (Esposito, 2011). The London 2012 Olympics can be an example of the

media’s portrayal of Islam and terrorism. Though there was not any legitimate threats made to

the Olympics, nor was there any legitimate Intel, but the media portrayed the fact there was a

potential risk of a terrorist attack. The Olympics continued as panned and there were not any

violence that had occurred. After the September 11th attacks, the media and the government

through the media, in the United States envisioned that America were going to be targets for

more attacks. This caused more chaos and panic amongst many western citizens. The thought

that were was going to be potential terrorist attacks following September 11th was reasonable, as

it was something that just had happened, and people had not ever expected. It is clear that the

media has a strong impact on what the views of the public are, especially when it comes to

person harm or threat.  

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The feeling the American citizens and the world had at the time of September 11th tragedy was

devastating, so it was clear that their stance towards Islam and Islamic radicals and terrorists was

going to be negative. Fourteen years after the New York City attack, the same hatred and phobia

that was created after the attacks, still lingers in the American society today. Not only does the

media still continue to present the fear, they kept it alive within America. In 2012, President of

the United States, Barack Obama and his government finally concluded a long, costly search of

Osama Bin Laden. US Army had located Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan and had shot and killed

him in crossfire. Bin Laden was seen as the main target because he was seen as the person

behind the September 11th attacks. The American government was expecting to find excessive

amounts of intel on the Al-Qaeda operations. Instead, they found nothing of that sort. Al-Qaeda

had never planned anything in regards to future attacks. This is different from how the media

portrayed them (Altheide, 2006).  

The September 11th attacks occurred during the Presidential government under President George

Bush Junior’s vacancy in the White House. In his first public appearance to the citizens of the

United States, Bush instantly declared a war against terrorism, without even knowing enough

details behind the attacks. The media was able to distinguish who was behind the attacks, and

present him as Osama Bin Laden. The media then, exploded with images of Bin Laden and

Islamic terrorists, showing America that this was their new enemy. (Ganor, 2005). The term that

was used to fight back Islamic terrorist was known as the “War on Terror” which was introduced

by the Bush government. Some conservatives believe that following the Cold War (which could

be considered as the Third World War) the War on Terror could be considered as the Fourth

World War.  

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Some scholars have said that the term coined by Bush as the “War on Terror” was done to increase the

level of fear within American culture and society. By doing this, it allowed American politicians to gain

the trust and support of the citizens, which allowed them to pass any policies they would like to enact

(Ganor, 2005).  

According to Bourke, Scholars have said that the culture and fear that was seen in America after

the terrorists attack in New York is similar to the fear that comes with phenomenon’s like global

warming (Bourke, 2005). This fear that was introduced to the American culture and society is

not a new phenomenon, but has been reintroduced to the American public by politicians with the

aid of the media. Due to this reintroduction of fear in America, Americans supported the idea of

the United States invasion on nations that were considered to have links to the September 11th

terrorist attacks. In the United Kingdom, researchers claim that when there is a major attack in

cities, especially major metropolitan cities, anywhere in the world, the government of those

nations seem to present new information on those who they believe are responsible for these

attacks, which ultimately result in more fear being spread throughout society (Bourke, 2005).  

There have been many arguments amongst different scholars and analysts at the fact of

terrorism in the United States and other Western countries. Many argue the fact that the fear

involved with Islamic terrorists attacks is not likely to die soon because there are individuals that

have the mentality of fear in their heads. It has been estimated that since September 11th, the

United States of America itself has spent over one trillion dollars on the War on Terror and other

domestic security measures. In reality, the risk of a person in America to get killed by a terrorist

is 1 in 4 million (Ganor, 2005). Politicians and the media have kept the fear in the American

society about terrorism alive. The media will present the idea of danger and fear to the public

there may not necessarily be a serious threat of any terrorism. By doing this, it not only aids the

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media and privatized corporations that are hired by the United States government, but also helps

politicians justify their actions when they spend government money and funds in the name of

terrorism (Ganor, 2005).  

Radical Islamic groups, whom have used the name of Islam to justify their actions have lead

Islam to be seen in a very negative connotation in Western nations. The word radicalism,

terrorism or terrorist have become closely linked to Muslims and the religion of Islam. The idea

of an Islamic terrorist has been lingering around since the first initial attack on September 11th.

Islamic terrorists have been linked to a few attacks, which have been considered on a smaller

scale compared to the September 11th attacks. In 2005, London England was attacked four times.

In the United States, radical Islamic terrorists had killed sixteen people in a shootout. This gives

a view that Islamic terrorism is presented in a much more negative way that over represents its

capacity for actual harm. Although there has been planning of potential attacks around the world,

it can almost be believed that these are drastic plans that terrorist have, and may not even have

the ability to execute (Karim, 2002).  

In order to seem legitimate, the media has constructed the perception of Muslims as a group

whom are trying to take over the Western world and control it. They are doing this by

immigration and creating families. They also depict Islam and Muslims as a group who are very

violent and aggressive, and they are against non-Muslims (Karim, 2002). This is in fact false, as

Islam is a religion of peace as stated earlier. The respect given to non-Muslims is incredible. The

media attempts to gain its legitimacy through using stereotypical radical Muslims as its way of

representing the Islamic community. In 2005, a Danish newspaper publication had cartoons

depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This cartoon caused uproar in Muslim nations with

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protest. Instead of making a statement of the disrespect they felt, the media again, depicted

Muslims as a violent group.  

Muslims living in the Western nations have been seen not only a threat to society in these countries, but

also as a threat to their cultures through traditions, rights, and freedom. The media portrays the idea that

Muslims do not believe in Western values, and that they cannot stand them. They believe that they want

to revolt against these rules. According to Perdue, when the Muslim brotherhood had gained power in

Egypt, the media had stated that Muslims were not able to handle the culture in the modern and Western

world (Perdue, 2009).

Ethical Panic and the Fear of Islam and Terrorists:

Moral panic is a term that was coined by Stanley Cohen. Moral panic occurs when an individual

or a group becomes view as a threat to social values, traditions or interests (Cohen, 2002).

Individuals who are known for threatening social values, traditions and interests are known as

“folk devils”. When looking at how moral panic is intertwined into Islam and terrorism, it can be

said that the media creates moral panic. People will focus their attentions to these types of

stories. The goal of the media is to make these stories appealing and interesting then something

seen as more common like robberies or murders. The word used, as main titles are drastic and

will grab a viewer’s attention and also increase the idea of fear within an individual (Cohen,

2002).

Ethical panic gives the ability for individuals to change their views and opinion on things such as

human rights. After the 2001 attacks, the United States army had begun detaining many Muslims

in Islamic nations. They went after anyone they believed had a connection with radicalism and

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terrorism. Instead of giving these people their basic human rights, they were taken away, and

they were not even allowed to seek any legal help (Cohen, 2005). Americans were very

supportive of this action that the United States government had chosen to conduct. They believed

by doing this, the government had actually been fighting terrorism. Although there were many

inhumane acts conducted by the American forces, it was largely accepted due to the idea that this

would help stop any future acts of terrorism in the United States.  

Due to members of the Islamic community, known as ‘radicals’, they became the main reason

why moral panic and fear was being spread through societies all over the world. This created a

struggle for Muslims who believe in peace and unity, and were not a part of any radical

movements. The idea that Muslim individuals were being compared to groups like Al-Qaeda and

ISIS was frustrating for Muslims. Although Al-Qaeda and ISIS are the seen as the main group

when the media is covering terrorism, making Islam seen in a negative way, the media have also

never given an explanation of how this radical group works. This is what makes the jihad that

Muslims face difficult to pursue in everyday life. It is a challenge to get the reputation to get the

true meaning of the struggle back.  

The word radicalism is a word used with many media outlets. They use this word in a way where

it is almost expected for the population whom are following the article to know exactly what it

means. This is where individuals get associated with an idea, in this case Islam and terrorism.

There has never been a proven correlation between the two, but due to radical groups like Al-

Qaeda and ISIS, radicalism is now linked with Islam. The media has given reason for the general

public to fear and have moral panic about Islam and Muslims. Not only that, but terms such as

terrorism, radicals, American haters, folk devils and a bunch of violent people are put out there

to represent Muslims (Cohen, 2005).

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Conclusion:

After the September 11th attacks that led to the death of thousands of innocent people, the

Western nations, especially the United States of America developed a hatred and fear of Islam

and connected Muslims to the term terrorism. This became a known phenomenon. Through the

media and government, the opinions and thoughts of millions of people towards Islam has

drastically changed. Not only did it put a fear within an individual, it gave them the idea that they

would be harmed or attacked at any time. By introducing the War on Terrorism, the United

States government led by Bush, it allowed fear to linger amongst the citizens, while hate towards

Muslims was also increasing. The media has had a vital role in characterizing Islam and Muslims

as radical terrorists. There was a moral panic created by the media for citizens. Although radical

Muslims represent such a slim and small percentage of Muslims, the media still portrays

Muslims as a threat. Not only as to threat to people, but also as a threat to traditions, cultures,

and freedom. Although the media may exaggerate the fear of Islam and terrorism, it is still

around all societies in many nations of the world. It will take a great effort for Islam and

Muslims to be seen as a peaceful and united religion once again.  

 

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References:

1. Altheide, D.L. (2006). Terrorism and the politics of fear. Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press.

2. Altheide, D.L. (2009). Terror post 9/11 and the media. New York: Peter Lang.

3. Bourke, J. (2005). Fear: a cultural history. Emeryville, CA: Shoemaker Hoard.

4. Cohen, S. (2002). Folk devils and moral panics: The creation of the mods and rockers. New

York: Routledge.

5. Cohen, S.A. (2005). Privacy, crime and terror. Markham: LexisNexis Butterworths.

6. Epsoito, John. (2011). Islam: The Straight Path (4th Edition). Oxford University Press. pp. 235-

247.

7. Ganor, B. (2005). The counter-terrorism puzzle: a guide for decision makers. New Brunswick,

NJ: Transaction publishers.

8. Karim, K.H. (2002). Making sense of the “Islamic peril”: Journalism as cultural practice. In

Barbie Zelizer and Stuart Allan (Eds.), Journalism after 9/11 (pp. 101-116). London: Routledge.

9. Perdue, W.D. (2009). Terrorism and the state: a critique of domination through fear. New York:

Praeger.

10. http://www.religioustolerance.org/muslim-leaders-condemn-acts-of-terrorism.htm